Complete Gardening
Gardening can be a rewarding experience, especially when you see the fruits of your labor blossom into vibrant colors. This summer, I planted 19 different types of bloomers, and while each one brought its own charm, there were a few that truly stood out. These five floral stars not only captured my heart but also became the highlight of my garden. Let me take you on a journey through these captivating summer bloomers that deserve a spot in any garden.
1. Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
At the forefront of any summer garden, the Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ reigns supreme. Its vivid red blossoms contrast beautifully with its dark, almost black foliage, creating a striking visual appeal. These flowers not only captivate the eye but also attract a plethora of pollinators.
What makes this dahlia truly special is its long blooming period, providing color from early summer well into the fall. This plant thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making it a favorite among seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
2. Sunflower ‘Moulin Rouge’
Sunflower ‘Moulin Rouge’ turns heads with its deep red petals and robust stature. Unlike its golden counterparts, this sunflower brings a unique touch of elegance to any garden. Its large blooms are a feast not just for the eyes, but for bees and butterflies as well.
Standing tall against the summer sun, it can grow up to six feet, providing a dramatic backdrop to other plants. Despite its impressive height, it’s surprisingly easy to care for, needing just a sunny spot and regular watering.
3. Petunia ‘Night Sky’
Gazing at the Petunia ‘Night Sky’ feels like staring into a galaxy of stars. Its purple petals, adorned with white speckles, mimic a star-studded sky, bringing a sense of wonder and intrigue to the garden. This unique pattern makes it a conversation starter among visitors.
Perfect for hanging baskets or borders, this petunia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant, beloved for its resilience and continuous blooms throughout the warm months.
4. Zinnia ‘Envy’
Breaking the traditional mold, Zinnia ‘Envy’ charms with its unusual green blooms. This zinnia adds a refreshing twist to the garden palette, complementing both vibrant and pastel hues. Its striking appearance is further enhanced by its ease of growth.
Zinnias are known for their heat tolerance and prolific blooming, making ‘Envy’ a must-have for any summer collection. Whether planted in beds or containers, it promises a lush display and is particularly appealing to butterflies.
5. Lavender ‘Hidcote Blue’
Lavender ‘Hidcote Blue’ brings a touch of serenity and fragrance, reminiscent of the Provence countryside. Its compact spikes of deep purple flowers emit a calming aroma, transforming any garden into a peaceful retreat.
Not only is it visually appealing, but it also serves as a natural insect repellent. This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, and its versatility allows it to be used in borders, herb gardens, or even rocky landscapes.
6. Begonia ‘Nonstop Mocca Yellow’
Begonia ‘Nonstop Mocca Yellow’ greets you with a burst of sunshine. Its vibrant yellow flowers stand out against the deep, chocolate-hued foliage. As one of the longest bloomers, it brightens up any garden space.
Placed in a sunny corner, this begonia exudes charm and warmth. Its abundant blooms are perfect for those who love bright colors. A favorite among gardeners, it requires minimal care.
Interestingly, this variety is known for its resilience in various climates, making it a versatile choice for plant enthusiasts. Truly, a sunny delight in the garden!
7. Canna ‘Pretoria’
Canna ‘Pretoria’ brings a touch of the exotic to any garden. Its orange blooms, coupled with striking striped leaves, create a visual spectacle. Standing tall, it’s like having a piece of the tropics at home.
The bold foliage catches sunlight beautifully, adding depth to your garden landscape. Ideal for those who appreciate a dramatic plant presence.
Historically, cannas were prized in Victorian times for their ornamental beauty. Today, they continue to captivate with their majestic appearance, drawing eyes wherever they grow.
8. Lantana ‘Bandana Cherry Sunrise’
Lantana ‘Bandana Cherry Sunrise’ is a festival of colors. Its blooms transition from pink to yellow and orange, offering a dynamic display throughout summer. Perfect for attracting butterflies and bees, it adds life to your garden.
Its vibrant hues are complemented by a sweet fragrance, making it a sensory delight. Lantana is hardy and drought-resistant, ideal for hot climates.
Did you know? The lantana’s changing colors are not just beautiful but also serve to attract different pollinators at varying stages, making it a clever design by nature.
9. Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ enchants with its continuous blooms of soft blue flowers. A favorite for garden paths, it weaves a tapestry of color and texture in cottage gardens. With its long blooming season, it remains a garden staple.
The plant’s sprawling nature makes it ideal for covering ground, reducing weeds. Its delicate hues provide a calming effect, perfect for peaceful garden retreats.
Often celebrated for its longevity, ‘Rozanne’ is not just beautiful but also practical, fitting seamlessly into diverse garden styles.
10. Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries’
Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries’ offers a touch of whimsy with its fluffy, double-layered blooms. The rich cranberry hue adds depth to any garden space, reminiscent of a painter’s palette.
Tall and graceful, these flowers sway with the wind, creating a serene landscape. Ideal for naturalistic settings, they complement meadows and borders alike.
Originating from Mexico, cosmos symbolize peace and harmony, fitting given their gentle presence. They invite bees and butterflies, enriching the garden ecosystem with life and color.
11. Salvia ‘Amistad’
Salvia ‘Amistad’ is a beacon for pollinators with its deep purple blossoms. These striking flowers stand out against lush, green foliage, drawing both admiration and bees.
Known for its long blooming period, ‘Amistad’ offers beauty from spring through fall. It’s a low-maintenance choice, thriving in sunny spots.
Did you know? The name ‘Amistad’ means friendship in Spanish, symbolizing the plant’s ability to bring gardens and gardeners closer to nature. Its vibrant flowers are a testament to lasting beauty.
12. Cleome ‘Cherry Queen’
Cleome ‘Cherry Queen’ stands tall with its airy, cherry-red blooms. The spidery flowers add a sense of intrigue and movement to garden borders.
This plant thrives in sunny locations, rewarding gardeners with a profusion of blooms. The delicate appearance belies its robust nature, making it a garden favorite.
Interestingly, Cleome’s nickname, “spider flower,” comes from its distinctive bloom shape, which resembles a spider’s legs. It’s a captivating addition to any floral ensemble, offering both height and color.
13. Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’
Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’ is not your average coneflower. Sporting unique green petals, it offers a fresh twist to traditional garden color schemes.
The central cone, bustling with bees, highlights its pollinator-friendly characteristics. Perfect for sunny borders, it thrives with minimal fuss.
A favorite among those seeking novelty, ‘Green Jewel’ embodies resilience and charm. Its distinctive color makes it a standout, inviting curiosity and admiration from all who encounter it.
14. Agapanthus ‘Blue Heaven’
Agapanthus ‘Blue Heaven’ transports you to warmer climates with its lush blue clusters. Rising above slender stalks, these flowers are a summer garden delight.
Ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens, ‘Blue Heaven’ thrives in pots and borders alike. Its elegant form brings a touch of sophistication to any setting.
Originating from South Africa, agapanthus symbolizes love, making it a cherished addition for romantic garden themes. Its enduring beauty and grace are unmatched, providing a serene ambiance.
15. Verbena ‘Buenos Aires’
Verbena ‘Buenos Aires’ is a jewel for pollinator gardens. Its tall, slender stems are adorned with clusters of tiny lavender flowers that sway gracefully.
A magnet for butterflies and bees, it adds life and movement to outdoor spaces. Perfect for borders, it blooms persistently throughout the warmer months.
Known for its adaptability, this plant thrives in diverse conditions, making it a versatile choice for any garden. Its understated elegance and ecological benefits make it a beloved favorite.
16. Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’
Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ enchants with its pale yellow blooms, offering a soft glow reminiscent of moonlight. These flowers provide a gentle contrast to lush green foliage.
Ideal for wildflower gardens, ‘Moonbeam’ thrives in sunny conditions. It adds a light, airy touch, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Embraced for its hardiness, this coreopsis variety requires little maintenance, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Its subtle beauty and resilience bring timeless charm to any garden.
17. Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ is a classic with its golden petals and striking dark cones. This perennial favorite brings a touch of sunshine to rustic garden settings.
Resilient and easy to grow, it’s perfect for adding color and texture to borders. Its bold presence makes a statement, especially when mass-planted.
Rudbeckia’s cheerful appearance belies its toughness, thriving in varied conditions. It’s not only a visual delight but also a haven for pollinators, enriching the garden ecosystem.
18. Phlox ‘David’
Phlox ‘David’ captivates with pure white blooms and a delightful fragrance. Known for its elegance, it graces formal gardens with its refined presence.
This variety thrives in well-drained soil, offering a long flowering season. Its pristine flowers illuminate garden paths, providing visual appeal.
Phlox has a rich history, often associated with harmony and partnership. ‘David’ continues this tradition, being a symbol of grace and beauty. Its luminous blooms are a testament to simplicity and style.
19. Heliotrope ‘Marine’
Heliotrope ‘Marine’ delights with its clusters of deep purple flowers, exuding a vanilla scent. This aromatic addition to cottage gardens offers a sensory feast.
Ideal for evening gardens, its fragrance intensifies as the sun sets. It thrives in sunny spots, providing continuous blooms.
Historically, heliotrope was a favorite in Victorian gardens, celebrated for its scent and color. Today, ‘Marine’ captivates with its nostalgic charm, transforming gardens into fragrant havens, reminiscent of a bygone era.